Gaming: A forecast of $3.72 billion for the African video game market.

The African continent is evolving into an eldorado for the video game industry. According to a recent study by Mordor Intelligence, the African video game market is projected to expand from $2.14 billion in 2024 to $3.72 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 11.62%.
African youth, experiencing a full-fledged digital expansion, is a crucial driver of this dynamic. With the escalating penetration of smartphones and the faster Internet access, young Africans are turning to video games en masse. The Covid-19 pandemic has expedited this trend, with online gaming serving as an escape route for numerous confined youth.
According to the World Association of Telephone Operators and Manufacturers (GSMA), the number of unique mobile phone subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa has been consistently increasing. This trend is anticipated to persist over the next seven years from 2023, bringing the total to nearly 700 million by the end of 2030. Nigeria and Ethiopia are expected to constitute nearly a third of the total number of subscribers by 2030.
According to the association, the penetration rate of mobile phones in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach 50% by 2030. Additionally, this figure is expected to rise to 475 million by 2025, with more than a quarter being connected via a 4G network.
In North Africa, 290 million people possess a mobile phone. The extensive use of mobile phones with 5G networks is expected to significantly boost the market.
Furthermore, partnerships between local players and major global technology companies, such as collaborations in cloud gaming, further fortify this momentum.
Nevertheless, this rapid growth is not devoid of challenges. Piracy, regulatory issues and online fraud are all impediments that must be overcome to ensure the sustainable development of this sector.
Despite these challenges, the outlook remains auspicious. Africa offers immense potential for game creators, publishers and distribution platforms. There are numerous opportunities, particularly in the development of mobile games adapted to the specificities of the African market, the creation of local content and the establishment of eSport ecosystems.
This rapid growth is also an opportunity for Africa to convey its own stories and promote its culture through video games. Many African developers, such as AFRIKA TOON, are endeavoring to create games featuring characters and universes inspired by the continent, presenting a new vision of Africa to players worldwide.

Source：africatoon